Ally McBeal - Season 4 Box Set 2 [1998]

Despite the attention lavished on both the lead character and the actress who plays her, the show is a real ensemble piece and works best when all the players are together. One of the collection's weakest moments is the episode that sends the usually excellent Richard and John off to LA on their own, an episode which lays threat to a dreaded spin off. While there are annoying moments--could they not have edited out the "previously on Ally McBeal" parts for retail release and why do they never go out with anyone other than work colleagues--with guest appearances from the likes of Sting this is a must for any fan of the series.

On the DVD: Sadly, the DVD collection betrays very little thought or effort. The pace of the show is certainly brisk (especially when shorn of the adverts) and the picture quality is equally dynamic, instilling real depth to the many aerial shots of Boston itself. Given that music is such an integral part in the show, it is no surprise that the soundtrack has been given a boost by its recreation in Dolby digital stereo. The interactive menu, however, is clumsy to use and having to work back through the options at the end of each episode quickly becomes tiresome. The complete lack of any extras whatsoever is also a definite minus point.--Phil Udell

Customer reviews:

By far the best series, 2004-08-05
Series 5 of Ally McBeal is definatley worth your money, if only to hear John's squeeking nose. The characters are what make this series, ie. Elaine's sexuality, Nelle's coldness, Ling's fiestyness, Richard's homophobia...need I go on?

Although the series may start on a slightly lower note, with Ally still dating the boring Brian, it soon picks up with the love affair between her and Larry, who is geniusly casted as Robert Downey Jr. Nobody else could do the job as well, allowing us to laugh and cry so much.

Another great re-occuring guest star is Melanie, John's girlfriend, played by Anne Heche. Although it may be politically incorrect to find her torrets hilarious, it is also unavoidable, as she also sets John off squeeling when she barks and calls him a pipsqeek. Watch out for Nelle and Ling's reponse to her!

Throughout the Series you will laugh more than in the others, but you will also cry more (without wishing to give too much away).

The only disappointment is the DVD itself, as it features no extras, but still....WATCH IT WATCH IT WATCH IT!!

Ally shrunk my TV screen, 2004-01-29
I love this show and this is a great set of DVD's but why are only the Third and Fifth series presented in widescreen (16:9) aspect? The Fourth series mysteriously returns to Full Frame!
Very odd and very displeasing.